Bl. Giovanni Merlini

January 12

Life

Born in Spoleto, Italy, on August 28, 1795, Giovanni Merlini entered the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1818, drawn by the dynamic preaching and deep spirituality of St. Gaspar del Bufalo. After the death of St. Gaspar in 1837, Fr. Merlini was elected the third Moderator General of the congregation, a role he held for nearly three decades. Under Fr. Merlini’s leadership, the congregation experienced significant growth, establishing new missions and promoting devotion to the Precious Blood through preaching, catechesis, and written works. He was deeply committed to the spiritual formation of missionaries, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community, and pastoral zeal. Fr. Merlini also played a pivotal role in advocating for the Feast of the Precious Blood, which was eventually established as a universal feast in the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1849. His collaboration with Church leaders of his time reflects his deep commitment to fostering unity and renewal within the Catholic Church. Merlini was also instrumental in St. Maria de Mattias’ founding of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. The spiritual legacy of Fr. Merlini extends far beyond his lifetime. His writings and teachings continue to inspire members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, lay associates, and countless others who seek to live out the call to holiness. His beatification on January 12, 2025 underscores his enduring influence as a model of faith, leadership, and devotion.

Scripture (1 Cor 1:18-25)

 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:  “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”  Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Writings

"If we are still alive, it is by the grace of a kindly God who gives us a new opportunity to prepare ourselves for the great rendering of accounts."

"Internal and external travails are a hedge to the soul, like in a vineyard... Consider them this way and accept them in peace and humility: resignation, hence trust in God." "One day we will understand the order God has maintained to lead us to salvation, and we will not cease thanking Him!"

"If your soul cannot find Jesus, just stay with Jesus. Those who are in a dark room do not see the companion, but they know he is there and that is enough for them not to be afraid!"

"One should abandon oneself totally to the divine will, not wanting to do anything if it is not what God wants. The afflictions, the perplexities, the agitations, and everything else, as long as they come with peace and are directed to the foot of the cross, it will go well..."

"As much as you can, promote mercy with its companions: pitying, consoling, comforting, encouraging, helping, foreseeing... and with this exercise say: My God, deal with me mercifully as I strive to show mercy to others. In this, we will experience great comfort, and while examining ourselves, we will find that we have a heart for our neighbors.” (Counsels)

Musical Selection (Kathleen Deignan)

Like a stream is the servant’s heart
In the hand of the Lord,
Wherever it pleases
God directs its way.

Happy the ones who are blameless
Who walk in the law of the Lord.
The way of your truth they have chosen
You guide them in all your commands.

You show us the paths of your wisdom
In these we find our delight.
To do what is right and just
Is better than sacrifice.

Detach us the way of your precepts
That they may be held in our memories
There to recall all your wondrous deeds
Now and forevermore.

Collect

O God, who granted to the presbyter Blessed Giovanni Merlini to draw from contemplating the mystery of the Blood of Christ wise discernment for leading your people along the path that leads to you, grant that we too, conformed to your Son, the Lamb of sacrifice, may become wise witnesses of your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.